Is it a good idea to powering my prototype PCB by onboard regulator or external supply? Any tips?

I'm laying out my PCB for the first prototype of my project. The board is relatively simple. I am now thinking of laying out the power section but am wondering if I should just power it from an external supply.

PCB Design
November 28, 2023

Yes, you can lay out an external power section with a nice meaty capacitor. It saves picking a VReg. Tips are as follows.

Over-spec the regulator for external power, so you don’t have to worry about the power requirements changing.
If you are involving high voltages, keeping it away from the main board is best. It is quite common for the power supply portion to be on a separate board anyway – makes for a more modular system that is easier to design or redesign.

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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